Help Wanted 
Job Title: Water Operator 
Reports to: Superintendent�

Summary

Assists in the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system under the general supervision of the Superintendent

 

Essential duties and responsibilities

Responsible for technical support and assistance to the District; responsibilities include reading meters, inspecting pump stations and meters, ensuring for proper quality and quantity of the water supply, troubleshooting problems and providing repairs, and assisting in the overall operation of the District’s water distribution system.

 

Education and/or Experience

 

(a) Preferred three (3) year experience working in a water district

(b) Must possess or be in the process of attaining a Massachusetts Grade 1-D and 1-T operator’s license and maintain that license thereafter; Other licenses may be required

(c) Must possess a valid Massachusetts Class D driver’s license

(d) Must be a high school graduate

(e) Any equivalent of combined experience and education

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

 

(a) Thorough knowledge of municipal government procedures and operations

(b) Thorough knowledge of the principles of water supply and distribution

(c) Thorough knowledge of District By-Laws and Massachusetts General Laws as they apply to water supply and distribution

(d) The ability to establish and maintain accurate records (able to read cursive writing)

(e) The ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, District officials, and the general public

(f) The ability to operate the listed tools and equipment

(g) The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

(h) Must be able to work with minimal supervision; be able to quickly resolve problems with the systems when they occur

(i) Must have a strong mechanical aptitude

(j) Must possess thorough working knowledge of maintenance and operation for the transportation of potable water, water pumps, water valves, water meters, water lines, chemical and other treatment of water, and other operating procedures

(k) Must be available to be on a 24-hour rotating on-call schedule, 7 days a week to resolve emergencies

(1) Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures

(m) Must be able to monitor pump stations throughout the District, 7 days a week and holidays, test water quality and quantity, ensure the proper working condition of equipment

(n) Must inspect and oversee the work of outside contractors

(o) Must install and maintain water meters

(p) Must read water meters

(q) Must be able to speak effectively with supervisor or employees; English is required

(r) Requires the use of a District vehicle, must be physically capable of operating the vehicle safely, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record

(s) Performs other similar or related works as required or as the situation dictates

(t) Performs maintenance and repairs on District property as required

(u) Performs snow removal as required

(v) The employee may be subject to a pre-employment physical examination with a written statement from the physician as to the employee’s ability to meet the physical strength and dexterity requirements of the position.

(w) The employee is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, random, return to duty and follow up drug and alcohol testing.

 

Tools and equipment

 

Personal computer, telephone, 10 key calculator, typewriter, copy machine, fax machine, trucks, power tools, hand tools, light equipment, water testing equipment, and be able to use water main, valve box, service and service box locating equipment.

 

Physical Demands

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is required to use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; lift arms above shoulder level; and make fine highly controlled manipulations of small objects. The employee may occasionally need to lift items that weigh up to 150 pounds. The employee needs to be able to have a good close vision to work at a computer workstation. The employee must be able to work in a noisy environment with extreme temperatures, both hot and cold; and must be able to work in cramped areas such as ditches to repair water mains. There is no back up to this position: therefore, the employee must have excellent attendance and punctuality.

 

Work Environment

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can be encountered. Moving mechanical parts, exposure to outdoor temperatures, and loud pumps or tools can be anticipated. Numerous standardized practices, procedures or general instructions govern the work in some cases and may require additional interpretation. The employee must use judgment to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline to use in a given situation. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the particular situation. Errors can result in personal injury/loss, delay, loss of service, monetary loss, damage to buildings or equipment, or legal repercussions. The position has frequent contact with the public for the purpose of reading, installing, and repairing water meters, conducting inspections, and responding to inquiries. The position has daily contact with Town Departments, customers, the public, contractors, builders, engineers, and vendors for the purpose of giving and receiving information, overseeing work performance, conducting inspections, making appointments for repairs or services, and providing information and assistance regarding department operations.

 

Salary Range

The salary for the Water Operator is:

$50,000 – $73,000 Salary depends on experience and licenses held.

This is a 40 hour per week, full-time position.